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C ASSIDY
The second the door closes I pop my eyes open and scoot off the bed. I tug my shoes on as George jumps down as well and stands between me and freedom.
I look at his wise eyes and say, “Don’t worry, you’re coming too.”
It seemed to appease him because he backed up as I make my way towards the door. Taking hold of the handle I pray it opens and that Cash didn’t put a spell on it. Relief floods through me as the door cracks open and I peek out.
“Come on George, the coast is clear.”
I hold my breath half expecting someone to order me back into the room and don’t release it until we slink out the front door like thieves in the night.
George trots at my side towards the forest like he knew exactly where I was heading, then takes off in a gallop.
“So much for guarding me.” I mumble to myself.
I enter the forest, and that familiar feeling of being home hits me like a brick. I inhale deeply, as the scent of the earth fills my lungs, I let my nose guide me. I’m not surprised when I see the waterfall to my right and a shiver goes up my spine as my eyes fall on the tree that Cash and I had been making out against. But that’s not why I’m here.
George comes running from the underbrush and takes the lead, straight to the castle ruins.
Chapter 20
C ash
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I STOP OUTSIDE THE door and cast a spell to hide my scent. I select the cognac as it’s always in the room whenever we have a meeting and wouldn’t seem out of the ordinary. As it is, I need to wait to enter, because opening it would only raise suspicion, something I don’t want. Slipping into a wraith would be ideal, as I could go straight through the door, but there is always a risk of being seen and isn’t an option as I can’t be two things at once. Having passed Ivan on the way here tells me he should be coming any minute, and so I wait until he appears. I don’t have to wait long.
He comes down the stone stairs and stands for a moment picking his teeth. From the bloodstains on his fangs, I can tell he’s just been feeding. He looks around and sniffs. And I know from the look in his eyes, he can smell me despite the spell. He shrugs and opens the door.
I follow him as he saunters in and says, “Bloody hell, did someone spill the booze or something? I can smell it out in the hall.”
Jake shakes his head. “No, just a fresh batch is all. Want one?”
“Absofuckinglutley!” Ivan kicks his feet out and plops into a chair then takes a glass of the amber liquid from Jake. “Thank ya mate.” He takes a sip then asks, “So, what’s the plan?”